Key messages

In this section, we outline the overarching key messages (targeting all audience groups) that CERN wishes to convey as well as the more granular key messages for each target audience.

Primary key messages

CERN is a world leader in particle physics. (This encompasses theoretical and experimental research, engineering and computing.)

The discovery of the Higgs boson opens the door to new physics, on a journey of discovery that will extend for decades.

To continue this journey of discovery we need new accelerators, detectors and computing capacity. (To build them we need to push the boundaries of technology.)

CERN brings benefits to society. (CERN contributes to the human endeavour of acquiring knowledge, it has a strong positive impact on training future scientists and engineers, on driving innovation, on transferring knowledge and technology to society and industry, and on engaging citizens in the achievements of fundamental research.)

CERN is an open institution. (CERN’s scientific results are available in open access and CERN is committed to open innovation. CERN is open to citizens, open to the arts, humanities and other expressions of culture.)

Peaceful collaboration and diversity are intrinsic to CERN. (People from different nationalities, cultures, backgrounds and with different expertise collaborate peacefully, on an equal footing.)